Social Integration Research Articles

“I’m Part of Something That Matters”: Exploring What Older Adults Value Through Their Engagement in Age-Friendly Community Initiatives

ABSTRACT Older adults’ engagement in age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives is considered an essential element of community transformation. However, research on older adults’ experiences of engaging in AFC initiatives remains nascent. Based on qualitative interviews with 23 older adult participants from 15 AFC initiatives across four states in the United States (U.S.), our reflexive thematic analysisidentified three themes regarding what participants value from their engagement: (a) social contribution; (b) social connectedness and integration; and (c) staying active and personal growth. Exploring older adults’ interest in contributing to, connecting with, and growing in their community can inform recruitment and retention in AFC initiatives.

The dynamics of language shifts in migrant communities: Implications for social integration and cultural preservation

This study examines language shifts within migrant communities, focusing on the social and cultural implications of adopting a new dominant language while maintaining heritage languages. It explores the impact of these dynamics on community cohesion, identity, and intergenerational communication. The paper also discusses the role of educational and social policies in supporting multilingualism and cultural diversity as assets in the integration process. This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of language shifts within migrant populations and examines their profound implications for social integration and cultural preservation. Migrant communities undergo a complex linguistic adaptation process influenced by various factors, including historical contexts, socio-economic conditions, and government policies. The phenomenon of language shift, wherein migrants gradually adopt the dominant language of the host country while potentially losing proficiency in their native language, represents a fundamental aspect of this adaptation process. This paper explores the nuanced interplay between linguistic assimilation and cultural retention among migrants, highlighting the intricate mechanisms through which language shapes their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Language is a gateway to social integration, facilitating interactions with the host society and enhancing access to employment, education, and public services. However, the pursuit of linguistic assimilation often entails challenges such as discrimination, linguistic barriers, and feelings of alienation, posing significant obstacles to migrants' integration efforts. Moreover, the erosion of native languages within migrant communities can engender a sense of loss and disconnection from cultural heritage, raising concerns about preserving linguistic diversity and intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. This paper examines the role of language policies and educational initiatives in shaping language dynamics within migrant communities. Government interventions, ranging from language proficiency requirements for citizenship to bilingual education programs, profoundly influence migrants' linguistic trajectories and cultural adaptation experiences. Keywords: Language, Communities, Social Integration, Cultural Preservation, Policies, Multiculturalism.

Navigating multilingual identities: The role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation

This paper explores the complex interplay between multilingual identities, social belonging, and political participation. It delves into how individuals navigate their multilingual identities within different social and political contexts and how they influence their sense of belonging and engagement in civic life. The research aims to shed light on how languages serve as bridges and barriers in social integration and political activism. Multilingualism is a complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' identities, social interactions, and political engagement. This Review explores the role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation, highlighting how multilingual individuals navigate their identities in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Multilingual individuals often develop multifaceted identities shaped by their proficiency in multiple languages and experiences in multilingual environments. These identities are dynamic and fluid, influenced by language use, cultural background, and social context. Multilingualism allows individuals to express different aspects of their identity, negotiate cultural differences, and navigate complex social landscapes. Languages play a crucial role in shaping social belonging by providing individuals with a sense of connection to their communities and cultures. Multilingual individuals often use different languages to communicate with different social groups, reinforcing their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Additionally, languages can serve as markers of cultural heritage, allowing individuals to maintain and celebrate their linguistic and cultural diversity. Furthermore, languages also play a significant role in shaping political participation. Multilingual individuals often use their language skills to engage in political discourse, advocate for their rights, and participate in democratic processes. Language can serve as a tool for empowerment, enabling individuals to voice their opinions, mobilize communities, and influence political outcomes. In conclusion, multilingualism is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon that shapes individuals' social belonging and political participation. By exploring the role of languages in shaping identities and facilitating social and political engagement, this Review provides insights into the complex interplay between language, identity, and society. Understanding the role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation can inform policies and practices that promote linguistic diversity, cultural inclusivity, and democratic participation in diverse societies. Keywords: Multilingual, Social, Identity, Political.

Life in a State of Limbo – Narratives of Place, Health, and Integration Among Later Life Female Migrants in Sweden

International migration is a prioritized domain of European aging research. Using a qualitative approach, the author has gathered accounts among Iranian later-life females in the Swedish city of Malmö, suffering from social isolation. The women in this article found themselves in a situation like that of other later-life migrants in Sweden. Several studies have shown how these groups are at risk of ending up in a social isolation which can be hard to break. The situation of the later-life migrant women discussed in this study is characterized by the loss of numerous deep-seated and natural social bonds connected to ethnicity, family, language, and culture. To cope with their exposed situation, the local Iranian-Swedish association provided some self-arranged activities, offering opportunities to social integration. The aim of the study is to demonstrate how the women described their life situation where a local day center made up the key foundation of their social life in  a Swedish city in 2000–2008. Typical of that period was that solutions of the alarming situation of some foreign-born elderly citizens were discussed by local authorities, as well as volunteer organizations. Thus, the aim is not to describe the present situation among later life migrants. On the contrary, the perspective is retrospective. The theoretical inspirations used in the article derive from a broader backdrop of social-constructive assumptions that define narratives or accounts as explanations of the reality of everyday life and experiences. In the article the women’s stories are defined as small, local, erratic narratives, nevertheless explaining the reality of everyday life and experiences which in their turn reflect the state of illness, locally specific attachment and social isolation. Three salient themes emerge in the material: place bound experiences, illness and unsuccessful integration. The narratives are defined as small irregular accounts, contrasting larger narratives of later-life migration. The article shows how the women depicted their situation as a borderline between an Iranian life in exile and a Swedish society, leaving them in a state of Limbo. The women expressed ambitions of integrate into a Swedish community of senior citizens, providing privileges and civil rights. Thus, the narratives challenge common generalizing images of later-life migrants and their life conditions.

“We want our freedom back, that’s our only need”: a qualitative study of health and social needs among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants crossing the borders from Belarus to Lithuania

BackgroundThe influx of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers into Lithuania, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents unique public health challenges. This study employs the Social Determinants of Health framework to explore the healthcare and social needs of this vulnerable population.MethodsIn May 2022, we carried out a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with asylum seekers across four centers in Lithuania. Employing both purposive and snowball sampling techniques, we selected participants for our investigation. The study comprised 21 interviews—19 conducted in Arabic and 2 in English—with durations ranging between 20 and 40 min each. We audio-recorded all interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and subsequently performed a thematic analysis using Atlas.ti software. This process of design and analysis strictly followed the principles of thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke, guaranteeing methodological precision and rigor.Findings21 interviews revealed critical insights into the healthcare access challenges, mental health issues, and social integration barriers faced by the participants. Key themes included ‘Healthcare Needs and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic ‘and ‘Social needs and Aspirations Amidst Pandemic-Induced Uncertainty ‘. The findings highlight the multifaceted healthcare and social needs of asylum seekers, juxtaposed against significant barriers they face. Access to medical services is hindered by long waiting times and financial constraints, especially for specialized care such as dental services. Communication issues during medical appointments due to language barriers and the lack of gender-specific healthcare, such as access to gynecological services, further exacerbate the challenges. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic introduces hurdles such as limited testing, isolation measures, language-specific information barriers, and insufficient social distancing practices. Mental health has emerged as a critical concern, with asylum seekers reporting significant stress and emotional exhaustion due to uncertainty and restrictive living conditions. Social needs extend to delayed asylum application processes, inconsistent language education opportunities, inadequate clothing, and nutrition that lacks cultural sensitivity, and living conditions characterized by overcrowding and insufficient facilities. The restricted freedom of movement within asylum seeking centres severely impacts their psychological well-being, underscoring a deep longing for autonomy and a better life despite the myriad of challenges faced.DiscussionThe study illustrates the complex interplay between migration, health, and social factors in the context of a global pandemic. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare services, mental health support, and structured language education programs. Offering educational avenues alongside language courses for children and adults is essential for fostering social inclusion and securing economic prosperity. Addressing the challenge of language barriers is of utmost importance, as these barriers significantly impede undocumented migrants’ and asylum seekers employment opportunities and their access to crucial services. The findings emphasized immigration as a health determinant and underscored the importance of inclusive health policies and advocacy for undocumented migrants and asylum seekers’ rights and needs.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for comprehensive policies and practices that are grounded in the principles of equity, compassion, and human rights. Additionally, advocating for practice adaptations that are culturally sensitive, linguistically inclusive, and responsive to the unique challenges faced by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. As global migration continues to rise, these findings are crucial for informing public health strategies and social services that cater to the diverse needs of this vulnerable population.

Nursing Home Characteristics and Resident Quality of Care Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Context: Nursing facilities are an essential part of the long-term care continuum, providing a setting where older adults and persons with disabilities receive critical services and supports. Despite extensive research linking facility characteristics to resident outcomes, the facility and resident factors under investigation vary in the context of a diverse industry landscape and poor understanding of key quality of care outcomes. Objectives: This scoping review focused on identifying key concepts, summarising existing findings, and identifying gaps in research linking nursing facility characteristics and resident outcomes. Methods: Guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review focused on empirical, English-language research published in five databases between 2005 and 2022. The research studies meeting specified inclusion criteria were subjected to thematic analysis for the extraction of key concepts and synthesis of findings. Findings: The 91 research studies in the final analytic sample conceptualised facility-level characteristics and resident outcomes using six and nine broad domains, respectively. The subcategories making up these discrete domains varied widely across studies. While evidence of linkages between facility environments and resident outcomes varied, there was general support that higher staffing capacity and home-like environments with support for autonomy and social integration were linked to better functional outcomes and higher overall subjective well-being of residents. Implications: It is imperative to understand how facility-level characteristics influence resident outcomes, and this scoping review provides insight into these complex relationships. A better understanding of this area is key to improving policies and regulatory oversight, as well as more broadly inform data driven decision-making.

Timing of seasonal events is correlated with social network position in a wild mammal

Across animal systems, abiotic environmental features, including timing of seasonal events and weather patterns, affect fitness. An individual’s degree of social integration also has fitness consequences, but we lack an understanding of how abiotic features relate to patterns of individual sociality. A deeper understanding of this relationship could be developed from studying systems where these two links with fitness have already been identified. We explored the relationship between individual social behavior and seasonal timing, seasonal length, and weather patterns. We used social network analysis on a sixteen-year dataset of a wild population of hibernating yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer). We fit a series of generalized linear mixed models and found that longer growing seasons before winter hibernation and longer winters were associated with increased individual sociality in the following spring. However, later snowmelt was associated with decreased sociality that spring. We found no relationship between individual sociality and various measures of precipitation and temperature. This suggests that seasonal timing and length may be a more important driver of sociality than weather patterns in this system, both as a lag and contemporary effect. Seasonal timing and length may mediate the opportunity or intensity of social interactions. The entwined relationships between the seasonal schedule and weather, and the seemingly contradictory role of winter length and snowmelt, suggests the timing of seasons and its relationship with sociality is complex and further exploration of environment-sociality relationships is required across taxa.Significance statementWhile the adaptive benefits of social behavior are well studied, less is known about how features of the abiotic environment drive variation in individual social behavior. Given increasing stochasticity in the timing of seasonal events and weather patterns, mapping the environment-sociality relationship will provide important insights to the drivers of sociality in the wild. This is particularly salient for species most vulnerable to climate and environmental change, such as seasonal hibernators, like yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer). We found that features of seasonal duration were positively associated with increased sociality, whereas the timing of seasonal onset was negatively associated. This work provides empirical evidence towards an important gap in the behavioral ecology literature.

Rohingya Refugees: A Study of Indonesian Government Policies

The Rohingya refugee crisis is a complex and pressing humanitarian issue in the Southeast Asia region. Conflict in Myanmar has forced thousands of Rohingya to flee seeking protection in neighboring countries. This research aims to evaluate the Indonesian government's policy in handling the Rohingya refugee crisis and provide recommendations for future policy improvements. The research method used is a qualitative approach with descriptive and comparative analysis. The analysis results indicate that Indonesia's policy towards Rohingya refugee flows reflects a commitment to humanitarian principles and national security. However, evaluating the implemented policies is necessary to understand their effectiveness. The implications of the Rohingya refugee flow for Indonesia's national security include risks of regional and global instability as well as threats to the security of individuals and groups. Indonesia's strategies for preventing and mitigating the impact of Rohingya refugees involve strengthening border surveillance, regional cooperation, refugee status organization, and social integration. Recommendations from this research include improving coordination between agencies, enhancing government capacity in managing refugee crises, and increasing protection and assistance to Rohingya refugees. This research is expected to contribute to understanding Indonesia's government policies towards the Rohingya refugee crisis and provide recommendations to enhance policy effectiveness.

The surgical management of scaphocephaly in a seven-month-old infant

Introduction: Scaphocephaly is a cranial malformation resulting from premature closure of the sagittal suture. In some cases, the diagnosis is made late, leading to delayed corrective surgery. Due to the necessity of early surgical intervention, we present this condition to facilitate understanding by any physician and improve the quality of life for patients. Observation: A seven-month-old female infant presented with worsening cranial vault deformity present since birth. Morphologically, the patient exhibited a narrow and elongated head, accompanied by a median frontal bulge, with a cranial circumference of 49 cm. Standard frontal and lateral radiographs revealed an elongated skull with closure of the sagittal suture. CT scan revealed complete fusion of the sagittal suture with the classic appearance of "boat-shaped" skull. We employed the standard H-type craniectomy method. The surgical outcome, assessed 8 months post-intervention, was satisfactory both neurologically and in terms of psychomotor and aesthetic development. Conclusion: Without intervention, scaphocephaly can lead to aesthetic discomfort and contribute to low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in social, academic, and professional integration.

ALIGNING PROFIT WITH PLANET: STRATEGIES AND IMPLICATIONS OF SUSTAINABLE FINANCE IN THE MODERN ECONOMY

In the wake of escalating environmental concerns and the imperative to address climate change, the integration of sustainability principles into financial practices has emerged as a critical avenue for fostering a more environmentally conscious economy. This research paper delves into the strategies and implications of sustainable finance, aiming to align profit motives with planetary well-being. The paper explores the evolution of sustainable finance, tracing its roots from ethical investing to the contemporary landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria integration. Drawing on a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, the paper elucidates various sustainable finance instruments and mechanisms, including green bonds, impact investing, and sustainability- linked loans. Furthermore, it examines the motivations driving businesses and financial institutions to embrace sustainable finance, ranging from risk mitigation and regulatory compliance to reputational enhancement and long-term value creation. Moreover, the paper investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with mainstreaming sustainable finance practices, highlighting issues such as data quality, measurement methodologies, and the need for standardized reporting frameworks. Additionally, it discusses the role of policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders in fostering an enabling environment for sustainable finance adoption. Finally, the paper concludes with reflections on the broader implications of sustainable finance for economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship, underscoring its potential to catalyze systemic change in the modern economy towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Keywords: sustainable finance, economy, environment, climate.

Prescribed Treatment Options for Gag Reflex

The gag reflex represents a crucial protective mechanism preventing the entry of foreign objects into the pharynx, larynx, or trachea. Impairment of this reflex can have adverse effects on an individual's oral health and overall well-being. An abnormal gag reflex can be detrimental and potentially impact social integration and comfort in social environments. Avoidance of treatment due to an exaggerated gag reflex in patients may lead to more severe oral and dental health issues. Complications such as intensified aesthetic concerns and halitosis, arising from aggravated oral and dental health problems, can contribute to patients withdrawing from social interactions. Consequently, individuals may find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle. The gag reflex can be triggered by a variety of physical or psychological stimuli. Its causes are multifaceted, encompassing iatrogenic effects, as well as local and systemic disorders, anatomical factors, and psychological factors such as classical and operant conditioning. Symptoms of an excessive gag reflex are not limited to specific age groups and can affect both pediatric and adult patients with varying degrees of severity. Treatment methods range from universally applicable approaches to those requiring specialized training due to the multifactorial nature of the condition. Given the multifactorial nature of the causes of an excessive gag reflex, exploring and implementing diverse therapeutic strategies may be necessary."

Public Green Space Injustice in High-Density Post-Colonial Areas: A Case Study of the Macau Peninsula, China

Public green spaces (PGSs) play a positive role in urban social sustainability and solidarity, as all urban dwellers can access them without discrimination or restrictions, but urbanization usually leads to an extreme shortage of PGSs and thus it becomes an important spatial resource that is competed for by different groups, especially migrant populations. Taking the Macau Peninsula as an example, this study employed a hybrid analysis approach, including the spatial Gini coefficient, spatial share index and spatial quality assessment, to look at the PGS injustice in high-density post-colonial areas. The results showed that (1) there is a “spatial mismatch” in the Peninsula’s PGS; (2) significant PGS service differences have been found between the colonial group (Portuguese) and immigrant group (Southeast Asian); and (3) a comparative analysis of the changes in the equity of PGSs over the past 40 years reveals that the PGS tends to be equitable overall, but the differences between groups have gradually increased. PGS injustice mainly depends on the spatial production mechanism during the colonial period of Macau and the spatial selection and limitation of groups due to differential social integration. Based on this, this work proposes recommendations for the planning and construction of PGS in terms of urban renewal and social sustainability, as well as new reclamation areas, in Macau. This study broadens the field and helps to improve the PGS inequality in high-density post-colonial areas, aiding regional sustainable development.

Group boundaries in the Netherlands: how religion and ethnicity matter for social integration

Abstract Both religion and ethnicity have been found to be important group boundaries for immigrants’ social integration into European societies. However, since both characteristics often overlap, their unique influences remain understudied. Conceptualizing social integration as a form of boundary work, this study aims to disentangle religious and ethnic group distinctions and to examine how they matter for immigrants’ contact with members of the Dutch majority group. Relying on data from four large immigrant groups in the Netherlands, that allows exploiting religious diversity within ethnic groups, we describe differences in contact with Dutch majority members between 13 ethno-religious group combinations, and we perform multiple-group SEM across the 10 largest combinations. Results indicate that while the importance of religious affiliation and ethnicity is group-specific, the strongest boundary for immigrants’ contact with members of the Dutch majority group is that between the religious and non-religious. The relative importance of religion and ethnicity for social integration is explained both by immigrants’ own maintenance of group boundaries and their perception of boundary permeability.

Brokerage and social segregation: a case study of cluster housing environment in Gading Serpong, Indonesia

PurposeThe paper aims is to see why social conflict caused by class segregation did not occur in Gading Serpong? What factors prevent conflict from occurring? This research seeks to find the causes of the nonoccurrence of social conflict due to class segregation in the Gading Serpong cluster area and explore the factors that restrain conflict there.Design/methodology/approachThis research is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with several parties identified as brokerages in the research object area. In this context, one of the media and analytical tools is to recognize agents or brokers who connect two groups of people. Brokerage occurs in sectors, patterns or forms of informal, personal relationships; to understand it, one must pay close attention to micro-level relationships and social psychological processes. However, brokerage can have a significant impact on macro-level social relations, as it is generally associated with social integration processes.FindingsThe lack of involvement of developers in overcoming social conflicts that occur between Gading Serpong natives and migrants in Gading Serpong housing has given rise to new actors. These new actors are what we can call brokers, where they have a role as brokers who are able to connect between migrants and natives in the Gading Serpong area. The broker phenomenon is actually familiar in academia, where in practice the broker acts as someone who is able to find solutions to problems. The broker is the reason even social segregation is created between migrant citizens and native citizens in Gading Serpong but never becomes a conflict between them.Research limitations/implicationsEven if the brokerage phenomenon is the reason why there is no conflict over social segregation brokerage is not the only factor in this nonconflict segregation. Therefore, to cover the larger area of these suburban segregation problems, there must be further research on this topic.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this research is to encourage the housing developers that create urban housing, such as clusters or other gated communities, to evaluate the social factors, such as potential segregation and conflict management. Also to encourage the developers to get involved and create some social engineering systems, like brokerage, market and other social agents, to create some nonconflict segregation or even more inclusive communities.Originality/valueThis research is uncovering the main reason why social segregation between migrant and native people in Gading Serpong, which could potentially lead to conflict, is never a conflict. The main reason is social actors like brokerage.

Virtual Public Sphere On Social Media (Habermas' Critical Study Of The Digital Hoax Phenomenon Whatsaap Group Alumni Iluni Menwa UI)

The present study aims to examine the phenomenon of the Virtual Public Sphere on social media, specifically focusing on the impact of digital hoaxes within the ILUNI Menwa UI Alumni WhatsApp Group. In the contemporary era of digital information, the proliferation of digital hoaxes, particularly those about the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as a noteworthy concern, exerting a discernible influence on public discourse. The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of digital hoaxes on the Virtual Public Sphere. This research addresses a significant vacuum in the existing literature by integrating three critical theoretical frameworks: New Media Theory, Network Wealth Theory, and Jürgen Habermas' Concept of Virtual Public Spheres. The research inquiry examines the influence of digital hoaxes on communication and social interaction within the Virtual Public Sphere on WhatsApp and their potential ramifications on social integration within virtual groups. The existing body of research exhibits a notable deficiency in comprehending the significance of WhatsApp as a widely utilised social media platform within social communication, particularly regarding the potential risks associated with disseminating digital hoaxes. The research employed a qualitative methodology, specifically in-depth interviews with 30 ILUNI Menwa UI Alumni WhatsApp Group participants. In addition, a content analysis was conducted on the messages inside the group to gain insight into the impact of digital hoaxes on communication dynamics. The study's results indicate that digital hoaxes can impede logical discourse, generate disputes in information, and potentially undermine the integrity of communication on the WhatsApp platform. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the function of social media, specifically WhatsApp, in forming a Virtual Public Sphere. It also examines the potential consequences of digital hoaxes on social integration within virtual communities during the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Integration of Public Art and Social and Cultural Values

This study aims to explore the integration of public art and social and cultural values, and analyze the role and influence of public art in the development of community culture through in-depth study of the interaction between public art and social and cultural values. The research method adopts the case analysis method to draw relevant conclusions through an in-depth analysis of the interaction between specific public art works and community culture. The research results show that the integration of public art and social and cultural values is of great practical significance and can promote the prosperity and development of community culture. At the same time, it also provides new ideas and directions for the creation and design of public art. During the research, we collected a large amount of data through questionnaires and field interviews, and conducted an in-depth analysis of public works of art and community culture. The study found that public art not only has aesthetic value, but also has social and cultural value, which can promote the exchange and dissemination of community culture. At the same time, the interaction between public art and community culture is also very close, and the design and creation of public art works need to fully consider the cultural background and needs of the community. In addition, this study also found practical cases of public art in the development of community culture, which provides a useful reference and reference for future public art creation. In a word, this study provides a new perspective and method for the integration of public art and social and cultural values, which is of great theoretical and practical significance for promoting the prosperity and development of community culture.

Advancing social care integration in health systems with community health workers: an implementation evaluation based in Bronx, New York

BackgroundIn recent years, health systems have expanded the focus on health equity to include health-related social needs (HRSNs) screening. Community health workers (CHWs) are positioned to address HRSNs by serving as linkages between health systems, social services, and the community. This study describes a health system’s 12-month experience integrating CHWs to navigate HRSNs among primary care patients in Bronx County, NY.MethodsWe organized process and outcome measures using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) implementation framework domains to evaluate a CHW intervention of the Community Health Worker Institute (CHWI). We used descriptive and inferential statistics to assess RE-AIM outcomes and socio-demographic characteristics of patients who self-reported at least 1 HRSN and were referred to and contacted by CHWs between October 2022 and September 2023.ResultsThere were 4,420 patients who self-reported HRSNs in the standardized screening tool between October 2022 and September 2023. Of these patients, 1,245 were referred to a CHW who completed the first outreach attempt during the study period. An additional 1,559 patients self-reported HRSNs directly to a clinician or CHW without being screened and were referred to and contacted by a CHW. Of the 2,804 total patients referred, 1,939 (69.2%) were successfully contacted and consented to work with a CHW for HRSN navigation. Overall, 78.1% (n = 1,515) of patients reported receiving social services. Adoption of the CHW clinician champion varied by clinical team (median 22.2%; IQR 13.3–39.0%); however, there was no difference in referral rates between those with and without a clinician champion (p = 0.50). Implementation of CHW referrals via an electronic referral order appeared successful (73.2%) and timely (median 11 days; IQR 2–26 days) compared to standard CHWI practices. Median annual cost per household per CHW for the intervention was determined to be $184.02 (IQR $134.72 – $202.12).ConclusionsWe observed a significant proportion of patients reporting successful receipt of social services following engagement with an integrated CHW model. There are additional implementation factors that require further inquiry and research to understand barriers and enabling factors to integrate CHWs within clinical teams.

Understanding Chinese international students’ language ideologies and multilingual practices in English-medium instruction programs in Germany

Analysed through the lens of language ideology, this qualitative study delved into the multilingual experiences of Chinese international students in English-medium instruction (EMI) studies in Germany. Drawing on semi-structured interview data from 16 Chinese postgraduate students in an international university, this study probed into these students’ language ideologies related to English, German, and Mandarin Chinese. Data analysis showed that their language ideologies were complex and intertwined with academic success, social integration, future employment, solidarity within ethnic groups, and widening local networks. It was also found that the participants’ multiple while often conflicting language ideologies were pivotal in shaping their investment in and usage of particular languages. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the diversity inherent in international students’ language ideologies in EMI and have significant implications for the internationalisation of multilingual environments in higher education (HE).

The Evolution of Sporting Consumption Habits among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Children and Adults

In the manuscript, grounded in secondary research, I present literature reviews and statistics outlining the benefits and constraining factors related to the engagement in sports among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Sports serve as a highly effective tool for facilitating social integration and ensuring equal opportunities. It is crucial to examine the sporting consumption habits of the disadvantaged target group and identify inhibitory factors to assist decision-makers in supporting measures for promoting equal opportunities. To alleviate social disparities, it is essential to establish conditions that guarantee long-term participation for everyone in economic and social life. Recognizing and promptly addressing disadvantages that manifest early in life are key factors for success in later life. Providing support to needy children, expanding their opportunities, and reinforcing a comprehensive system of child protection and well-being are fundamental for their successful integration into society.

The forgotten adaptive social benefits of social learning in animals.

Theoretical and empirical scholars of cultural evolution have traditionally studied social learning strategies, such as conformity, as adaptive strategies to obtain accurate information about the environment, whereas within social psychology there has been a greater focus upon the social consequences of such strategies. Although these two approaches are often used in concert when studying human social learning, we believe the potential social benefits of conformity, and of social learning more broadly, have been overlooked in studies of non-humans. We review evidence from studies of homophily, imitation, and rapid facial mimicry that suggests that behaving like others affords social benefits to non-human animals and that behaviour matching may be deployed strategically to increase affiliation. Furthermore, we review studies of conformity in dispersers, and suggest that forgoing personal information or preferences in favour of those of the new group during immigration may be a strategy to facilitate social integration. We therefore propose that the informational and social functions of conformity apply to humans and animals alike. We use this perspective to generate several interesting research questions to inspire work in this field. For example, under what conditions do animals use informational or social conformity and what role does uncertainty play in social learning in immigrant individuals?